Gambler bets $39m on Trump

A British gambler has reportedly staked US$5 million (HK$39 million) on President Donald Trump winning the US election -- believed to be the largest-ever political bet.

The former banker used private bookmakers registered on the Caribbean island of Curacao for the bet at odds of 37/20 -- meaning he could get a US$15 million payout.

The mystery gambler confidently went all-in after consulting with "Trump camp insiders."

"Word of this bet has done the rounds and we think it's the biggest made on politics," said one betting industry source. While illegal in the US, betting on politics is popular in the UK and many other countries -- and the 2020 election is shaping up to be the biggest betting event of all time.

"Donald Trump will likely wake up with a spring in his step as more and more people think he could stay for another term," the gambling comparison site OddsChecker said.